Mass under collarbone and waiting for results
Hello,
About 2 weeks ago I saw my GP because I was having the most painful armpit on my left side. As my GP was feeling around, he said that he was concerned with something he had felt ordered me an ultrasound on my breast and axilla. I had all sorts of issues with scheduling these tests as apparently they can't be done by the same department. So I got my axilla checked because they refused to do the breast. The tech spent a lot of time in one area. The area that he felt. She said “this is where your issue is, right?". Now I know I am probably reading into things but I found it odd that a US tech would comment at all. As I was leaving she was giving me directions out of the hospital and she said “you came from the cancer clinic, right? It's that way". It didn't sit well.
It has been 3 days and I haven't heard anything. I have heard no news can be good news, but I have also heard that isn't always the case. I called and requested the results as the tech said I should have them by the end of business day. At the very least I thought I would see the results on my patient portal, but they aren't on there. Is it norma to not have a mammogram before a ultrasound?
Today I called to make the breast US appointment and it has changed from the breast care center to the cancer clinic which I will have that appointment mid next week.
I guess I am just looking for reassurance that all of this is standard. I don't expect a diagnosis of course. Just some support.
My symptoms are extreme fatigue, a few masses in my left breast, it is sore as is my left armpit. Also shooting nipple pain
My question about this is, is it true that the tissue just under the collar bone is muscle and very unlikely that it could be anything too bad.
If you have read this far, Ithank you.
Comments
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Malibugal - I can't really comment on your specific issue and what was seen, but I can certainly sympathize with the worry and concern. I've been going through some similar things the past few months. It's nerve-wracking to say the least.
I can comment a bit on the US Tech I think. Maybe it will relieve a bit of worry.
In July, I was sent for a neck US to check on 2 swollen supraclavicular nodes (on the clavicle) on my cancer side and neck swelling I had due to a rare Zoladex allergy. Anyway, my tech asked me specifically "Can you please show me where you feel the area of concern?". Sort of like what your tech said, "This is where your issue is, right?". I also had a Limied Breast/Nipple US due to nipple pain, swelling (turned out to be Nipple Lymphedema), and during that US my Tech also asked me to confirm where I had felt the area of concern. Also, last Spring, I had to have a urgent US of my Right breast (non cancer side) due to bizarre sudden swelling, redness, and pain throughout the breast. Again, the US Tech did their thing and then at the end of the US, she asked "Did I cover the area of concern you were here for today?.
Up until this year I would never have thought that it might be standard for them to ask this, and I probably would have been alarmed as well. Now that I've had it happen a few times with out life-altering news following on its heels, perhaps it's a common theme for Techs. Maybe they confirm that they have surveilled the area of concern. I'm guessing they ask as a way to double check that they've covered what the dr ordered as well as what they patient was concerned about.
Maybe that makes a little sense and hopefully is somewhat comforting while you wait? I sure hope so.
Waiting is just the worst. Especially when we are fresh out of active treatment and being seen for first scans or new pain/issues relative to our prior cancer. Eeeek. It leaves me on pins and needles and I'm still waiting to find out if I also have Thyroid cancer or if it's a benign mass that was found in July....October cannot come soon enough for me!
By the way, I obviously have no idea what your specific pains are being caused by (may it be something non-cancer related and easily treated!) BUT I will say that having been through a few of my own scares now this summer, I'm learning that most times it is likely something else, other than cancer. Sure, it can be cancer and if so, your dr will sort it out asap. However, from the 4 scares I have had, there were other explanations. One was a medication allergy. Another was Nipple Lymphedema. The Nipple LE had given me so much pain in my breast, my nipple was retracting, swollen, flat-like, and I felt like I had a dagger in my nipple at all times. I was SOOOO sure that I had Paget's Disease of the Nipple. RADs finished back in Oct and my nipple still flakes, itches, and peels so that plus all those other symptoms I was sure I was facing more cancer and a BMX. I was soooo relieved when I was told my Lymphedema had just changed and was now also affecting my Nipple. No cancer. LOL. A third was unexplained but disappeared on it's own within a week and both a Mammo and an US could not find a reason for the swelling or redness. My body is weird at times. And the fourth, turned out not to be cancer, but unfortunately it is MS. I guess that's better than finding out I had a brain tumor.
Anyway, I sure hope there are answers for you sooner than later. I'm here with you while you wait. Hang in there. Hopefully the Tech was just trying to do her job and also to be sure you got to where you needing to go on your way out of her area.
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I hope you get good news.
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thank you so much for your reply. You did manage to put my mind at ease while I wait. Everything that you said makes sense and I appreciate everything that you shared with me. It sounds like you have been through a lot. I hope that you fund our that you don’t have thyroid cancer.
Waiting for these types of test results is nerve wracking. I really thank you tor your support
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thank you so much
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